Apart from the sheer fun of owning a pet, having a dog enhances well-being and even personal growth in many ways. Caring for a dog teaches kids responsibility and offers everyone in the family unconditional love. Many studies have found that the social support that dogs — and pets in general — provide boosts their… read on >
About 22% of people who live in conflict areas suffer from mental health problems, a new study review finds. Common problems include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, according to the World Health Organization. About 9% have a moderate to severe mental health condition. These conclusions are based on a review of… read on >
Obesity can worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms, researchers say. Their study involved 140 patients with the relapsing-remitting form of MS, which means patients have periods of attacks (relapses), followed by periods of remission with no or few symptoms. The researchers found that obesity at the time of diagnosis was associated with more severe disability. The reason:… read on >
It’s not just Moms: Just ahead of Father’s Day, a new survey finds that about half of American dads say they’ve been criticized about their parenting styles. The way they enforced discipline topped the list of things naysayers called them to task on, with two-thirds of critiques focused on that subject. Forty-four percent of the… read on >
Summer is prime time for food poisoning, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As temperatures rise, foodborne germs flourish. To have a safe and enjoyable grilling season, the CDC recommends: Separate raw meat and poultry from other groceries. Chill meat, poultry and seafood until ready to grill. Wash your hands and work… read on >
In most states, laws for drinking and boating are similar to those governing drinking and driving. Boating laws apply to most any boat, including canoes, kayaks and rowboats. Alcohol is the top contributor to boating accidents, says the American Addiction Centers. Drinking and boating increase your chances of drowning, falling off the boat and driving… read on >
If your loved one’s crooning is music to your ears, the reason appears to rest with part of brain that is super-sensitive to pitch. That’s the upshot of a new study offering a fresh look into what makes us human. For the research, which aimed to understand the role of music in health, researchers compared… read on >
If you or a family member has asthma, your doctor has most likely mapped out the steps you need to take to treat an asthma flare. Creating a healthier home by minimizing your triggers can be as effective as medication for reducing symptoms and flares, according to a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics.… read on >
Creamy and rich, yogurt is a versatile dairy food that can be turned into delicious meals. It’s high in protein, probiotics to help with digestion, and other essential nutrients like calcium. Research has shown that the fat in yogurt doesn’t damage your heart, so full-fat is fine unless you’re on a low-fat diet for health… read on >
Can a DNA test predict a person’s future heart health? Perhaps, researchers say. A team of Canadian researchers found that by analyzing a person’s entire genome, it might be possible to predict their future heart disease risk. The so-called “polygenic risk score” analysis looks for key heart disease indicators — genetic “biomarkers” — along with… read on >
